Sri Lanka’s cricketers won’t be warming up against the strongest of New Zealand teams ahead of their Boxing Day Test match.
The New Zealand XI named to play the tourists in a two-day match in Queenstown, starting on Sunday, comprises players who aren’t needed for the third round of the Plunket Shield, which starts on Thursday.
Sri Lanka last played a Test against Pakistan at home in August, and are coming off a seven-match one-day series against England, also at home.
They are in New Zealand for a two-match series, the first Test beginning in Christchurch on Boxing Day, following by a Test in Wellington. A five-match one-day series follows.
The New Zealand XI: Dean Robinson, Rob O’Donnell/Anaru Kitchen, Jono Hickey, Matt Taylor, Cole McConchie (capt), Josh Finnie, Dane Cleaver, Ben McCord, Tim Johnston, Lachie Ferguson, Michael Snedden and Jamie Gibson.
